Hi all, I have problems with a 2005 2.8JTD, done 230000km. Engine fails to start on first attempt. It cranks fine, but won't fire. Turn key off, retry, and it usually starts. This has just been repowered with a second hand engine that has done 30000km, BUT the fault was already there. The fault book first mentions this problem in April 2011, but this is the first time I've worked on it. The original engine apparently had a catastrophic pulley/cam belt failure, hence the repower. My scanner comes up with code P1320, crank/cam sync. We have fitted and gapped new crank and cam sensors, tested the wiring, checked the sensor outputs, etc. The fault is intermittent, but is occurring frequently in the workshop. Some times it starts ok, time and time again, so I removed the key, lock the doors, unlock, try to start, and the fault is present. The KCU is functioning correctly. By locking it, I'm operating the immob system, and then reactivating, but I'm not certain what effect this is having on the injection system. It obviously resets, disturbs something.
The original HP pump has been fitted to the 2nd hand engine, injectors came with the 2nd hand engine. I've checked the injector return lines, no leak off. All basics have been checked, eg. battery, cables, ECU power supplies, earths, etc. Most of the injection components can be ruled out as they came with the replacement motor, and the fault is apparently identical to that with the old motor. Sometimes on start up it belches a lot of white smoke, usually after I crank it for a while. It always starts after continued cranking, 6-8 secs. In tank pump is operating correctly. Occasionally the scanner shows U1600, and a couple of unknowns, but from past experience, this is not a problem. Engine check light goes out ok, only comes on with extended cranking, rev counter is reading while cranking, scanner shows good fuel pressure, (320) bar above target. Cranking above 280 RPM.
I'm beginning to think it has a faulty ECU, but that is very rare.
Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks guys.

FIXED.
Eventually after going round in circles we came back to cam sensor. This was in its standard bracket, but 1/3 of it was covered by the sprocket, so we spaced it upwards, and it starts fine now. We had already tried regapping it laterally, but decided to lift it, and it worked.

Sorry none of us could help you with this one, but thanks for a comprehensive list of what to look for when poor starting occurs & for posting up fix.